No fatalities

Aircraft gear collapse during landing in Somalia (5Y-FAU)

Somalia, SomaliaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 14, 2019, an Embraer EMB-120 Brasília (registration 5Y-FAU) operated by Freedom Airline Express was involved in an aviation accident near Somalia, Somalia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown on a gravel airstrip. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear while touching down on a gravel runway in Somalia, resulting in a write-off.

What happened

During an arrival at a gravel airstrip situated within Somalia, the aircraft's left main landing gear suffered a collapse. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the flight. Upon the failure of the gear, the plane sustained significant damage to its structure.

Despite the impact and the subsequent damage to the airframe, there were no injuries reported among the occupants on board at the time of the accident. The aircraft was subsequently determined to be a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the failure of the left main gear specifically while operating on the unpaved gravel surface.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown on a gravel airstrip.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 2019 Embraer EMB-120 Brasília accident near Somalia, Somalia?

An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear while touching down on a gravel runway in Somalia, resulting in a write-off.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 2019 Embraer EMB-120 Brasília accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 2019 involved an Embraer EMB-120 Brasília, registration 5Y-FAU, operated by Freedom Airline Express, at Somalia, Somalia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown on a gravel airstrip.